Environment Minister pledges to speed up planning process

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan

The planning process is to be speeded up in an effort to improve service to customers, environment minister Mark Durkan has said.

One shorter and simplified policy and intensive pre-planning application discussion with widespread community involvement will ensure decisions can be taken more quickly, the department said.

Promptly refusing substandard applications will help unclog the system while action is planned to encourage faster responses from consultees like the environment agency, which examines the impact of proposed developments.

Mr Durkan said: “My aim is to create a planning system that is fast, fair and fit for purpose.

“A system which is less complex, more effective, more efficient and more customer-focused.”

Last year, proposals were developed to create special economic planning zones, to be designated by the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers (OFMDFM), meaning OFMDFM would be in charge of planning policy in certain areas rather than the environment minister.

The changes were opposed by former environment minister Alex Attwood and green campaigners, but supported by the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Following a fierce row, Mr Attwood’s successor, the current incumbent, withdrew a proposed Planning Bill from the Assembly in October.

He told a Planning Forum meeting at the MAC arts centre in Belfast that he wanted a planning system that delivered for business, with timely decisions that brought investment and jobs but not at the expense of the environment or local people.

He said: “A system which realises that the environment and the economy should not, and cannot be, at loggerheads.

“A system that fully recognises that a vibrant, sustainable environment can be a driver of prosperity and job creation.”

:: Action to ensure faster responses from consultees, including clearing outstanding consultations with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. A planning control team would provide a single point of contact for consultations.

The minister recognised the need for greater certainty.

The SDLP Foyle MLA said: “These measures provide a real opportunity to speed up decision making and enhance community involvement.

“And it paves the way for the seamless transfer of powers to councils in 2015.

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